Question

Which description accurately describes the cell membrane?

Answer 1

Answer:

b. a semi-permeable double layer of phospholipids that have hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails

Explanation:

B is correct as the cell membrane is selectively semi-permeable. It is selectively semi-permeable because this quality allows it to control what can and can't enter the cell, and how it does so.

The cell membrane also has a phospholipid bi-layer comprised of a double layer of phospholipids which have hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tails. This is because the heads are made of phosphate and are polar and are therefore attracted to water (hydrophilic), while the tails are made of lipids (i.e. fats, oils) which do not mix with water and are therefore hydrophobic.

The properties of each phospholipid is also why they form the double layer structure, the hydrophilic heads naturally face outwards into the water and protect the hydrophobic tails on the inside.

Hope this helped!